Breaking Broadway with Kerry Butler

In this episode we talk to Sammi Cannold about her journey to becoming a director - from putting on shows with shampoo bottles as a kid, to going to Stanford to study theater, to landing on Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 in Hollywood and Entertainment list. Listen to Sammi discuss what she looks for at auditions, her process as a director, and the fresh take she’s been bringing to the industry thro...

This episode features more of my conversation with my friend from Beetlejuice, Presley Ryan, and her mom Kim about getting into the business as a kid and what it’s like being the youngest person in the room. We also have some VERY special guests. Spoiler alert - it’s my parents! This episode is for all the child and teen actors out there (and your parents!)  As always, you can follow me on Instagr...

I ask my friend from Beetlejuice, Presley Ryan, and her mom Kim all about getting into the business as a kid and what it’s like being the youngest person in the room. This episode is for all the child and teen actors out there (and your parents!)  As always, you can follow me on Instagram @kerrybutler1. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com or email me at kerrybutlerc...

In this episode we're joined by Schele Williams, director of the upcoming revival of AIDA. We explore looking at the world and theater through a post-COVID lens, talk about her children’s book Your Legacy, in which she looks at slavery through a new lens - and as always we get some great audition advice.   Follow me on Instagram @kerrybutler1. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at www.ker...

We continue our interview with Kaitlin Hopkins from Bat Boy fame and currently the head of the Musical Theatre program at Texas State University. In this episode she talks about the mental wellness program that she founded and shares with universities around the world.    As always, you can follow me on Instagram @kerrybutler1. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at www.kerrybutlercoach.co...

Ask and you shall receive! This episode is all about going to college for theater.  Kaitlin Hopkins created the BFA Musical Theatre program at Texas State University, ranked in the top 10 musical theatre programs in the nation. She also starred as my mom in Bat Boy - “Shelly nooooo!” (Insider joke). Kaitlin shares great insight and information on the college admissions process and tells you everyt...

Turn those no’s into yes’s and make your own work.  Scott Coulter tells us how he started his own company spot-on entertainment, and now produces concerts around the country. He explains how you can use your voice and passion for performing in other ways outside of broadway. Learn how to take control of your career the way Scott did.   Resources mentioned in this episode Spot-On Entertainment Fein...

Recorded LIVE at BroadwayCon 2020 Find singing jobs while you wait for your broadway break; or create your own door to broadway through cabaret and concert work.  Sierra is such a positive force in this world! The topic is concert work, but we really discuss finding your purpose, and living the life you were meant to live. She speaks my language, I loved having her as a guest!   Produced by Dori...

This is the episode I have been waiting for. If the doors to Broadway aren’t opening for you, find a window! YouTube sensation Todrick Hall is so inspiring. He talks about how he created his own opportunities using social media. Learn how to make social media open your window to Broadway!!   Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales A proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more abo...

How do you get in on the ground level of a new Broadway Show?  Readings and workshops for no money of course!   Think of it as an investment.  We have Joey Mazzarino and Aron Arcurso on talking about the process of creating their new show Seeing Red, and how people can get cast in readings and workshops.   Joey is an award winning writer, director and puppeteer.  Worked on Sesame Street for twenty...

Liz Caplan is one of the most sought after vocal teachers in New York. She is even hired by broadway shows to help the company. We discuss how to do 8 shows a week healthily and even give you all the tricks on how to sing over a cold, or tears or even scream on stage. Ever wonder how Ben Platt sang that song at the end of Dear Evan Hansen while sobbing? Tune in to this episode! Resources mentioned...

Award winning director Alex Timbers whose work is currently represented in three broadway shows- Beetlejuice, Moulin Rouge and American Utopia gives audition advice, and tells what he looks for in actors. Resources mentioned in this episode Williamstown Theater Festival Vassar New York stage and film Berkshire Theater Festival ARS NOVA Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC) The Flea Theatre Produced by Dor...

What is the best song to sing for your audition? Seth Rudetsky helps to find the right song and 16 bar cut. He also gives great advice on performing the song, and his audition pet peeves.   Resources mentioned in this episode Seth’s Twitter and Instagram accounts Seths Broadway cruises Sarah Lazarus Oberlin Faith Prince - Also Teaches  The Town Hall - Seth’s Sirius XM show Volunteer singing - Hear...

Barrett Weed gives insight into how to deal with anxiety and the nerves that go along with auditioning and performing. Connect with Barrett via Instagram: @barrettweed Resources mentioned in this episode Elon College Walnut Hill Opera Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales A proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actress & coach Annie Meisels gives advice on how to get voice work: voice overs, cartoons, audiobooks, and video games to help pay the bills while you wait for your big break on Broadway. Connect with Annie on IG: @AnnieMeisels or via email: Annie [at] apowerfulvoice.net. Resources mentioned in this episode Garage Band Audacity Ithaca College Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales A proud m...

What are EPA’s and how do you find them. This episode we discuss the actors union Equity and whether or not you should join, how to find auditions, and advice from choreographer/actress Jen Cody on how to stand out in dance calls.   Connect with Jennifer Cody Jen Cody is an actress, leader, and Disney princess. She is “Maggie” on Mickey And The Roadster Racers. She began dancing at an early age be...

This Breaking Broadway we welcome award winning broadway casting director Rachel Hoffman.  She works at one of the top casting offices in NY, working at Telsey and Co, who has cast hundreds of broadway shows.  This season alone, Rachel is represented on broadway in Beetlejuice, Frozen and Come From Away.  Rachel gives great advice on everything from headshots to how to approach auditions.  I actua...

This episode features Riza Takahashi, who gives us tips on how to book a Broadway show from an open call! Riza is a New York based actor/singer/dancer who can currently be seen as “Sophie Kawachi” in the ensemble of “Mean Girls” at the August Wilson theatre. Originally from Itami, a small town outside the city limits of Osaka in Japan, Riza fell in love with musical theatre at a young age. The ide...

Manager Jen Namoff of Soffer/Namoff Entertainment and Talent Agent Tim Marshall (who is actually Kerry's agent!) join Kerry for this first episode to answer the question she is asked most on Instagram - "How do I get an agent?" This episode covers what both Jen and Tim look for when looking for new clients as well as providing additional insider tips and tricks to help you find representation. Res...

Ever wonder how to break into the business of Broadway? From how to get an agent to how to navigate open calls, we cover it all. This podcast is an insider’s roadmap to making it on Broadway. Kerry Butler is a Tony nominated actress who made her Broadway debut in 1993 in Blood Brothers, before starring in shows such as Beauty and the Beast, Le Mis, Hairspray, Little Shop, Xanadu, Rock of Ages, Cat...